The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company’s mass firing of over 900 workers, calling the conduct a clear breach of workers’ rights.
Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Media, issued a statement on Thursday criticizing KEDC’s management for what he called an illegitimate and unjust process, warning that the union would increase its response if the impacted employees were not reinstated.
“We commend the protesting workers of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company for conducting themselves peacefully despite repeated provocation by KEDC management,” according to the statement.
“Our hearts are with them in this valiant fight against illegality and injustice.”
“The method in which KEDC conducted this mass layoff, neglecting appropriate process for redundancy, is not only unacceptable but also mind-boggling.”
To avoid the problem from escalating further, the labor union urged that the dismissed workers be reinstated immediately.
“We urge KEDC to come down off its high horse and embrace reason by unconditionally recalling the impacted employees. “This is the only way to restore industrial harmony and normal operations in its coverage areas,” Upah said.
He also warned that the NLC would not hesitate to escalate its activities if management continued to rationalize what he called an unjust process.
He continued, “Prolonging this act of aggression risks triggering a major solidarity action. Congress will give the ongoing protest the necessary backing if KEDC fails to see the wisdom in an early resolution.
“As a starting step, we urge on all our affiliates in Kaduna to join the protest in solidarity.”